Hovden Airport

Hovden Airport (IATA: HOV), located between the towns of Ørsta and Volda, serves as the air gateway to the heart of the picturesque Sunnmøre region in Norway. Surrounded by majestic mountains and deep fjords, this cosy air harbour is the starting point for many travellers seeking to explore the natural beauties of Western Norway. Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in the region's transport system, ensuring reliable connections with the country's major cities.

The main advantage of Hovden Airport is its compactness and efficiency. Passengers do not have to spend much time passing through controls or waiting for luggage, making the journey more comfortable and swift. The airport primarily serves domestic flights, with the main operator being Widerøe, connecting the region with Oslo and Bergen. Thanks to its strategic location on the E39 route and proximity to recently built tunnels, such as the Eiksund Tunnel, the airport has become even more accessible to residents of the vast southern Sunnmøre and Nordfjord areas. For passenger convenience, taxi services, car rentals, and paid parking are available at the airport.

• Official Website: You can always find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations on the official airport page on the Norwegian operator Avinor's website: avinor.no/en/airport/orsta-volda-airport.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries and information, you can call the Avinor central office at: +47 67 03 00 00.
• Airport Address: The airport is located at: Torvmyra 60, 6160 Hovdebygda, Norway.
• Email: To contact the airport, it is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website, as a public email address for general enquiries is not provided.
• Social Media: Hovden Airport does not have its own dedicated social media pages. Major news and updates are published on the official accounts of the operator, Avinor.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should contact your airline's representative directly, as the carrier is responsible for this.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For most questions, passengers are advised to contact the general information service phone number or visit the official airport website.

Getting to Hovden Airport (HOV), which serves the town of Ørsta and its surroundings, is possible via several convenient methods. The airport is located quite close to the city centre, so the journey will not take much time.

Public Transport is mainly represented by buses. The company Fram organises express bus services (Flybussen) that connect the airport with the centres of Ørsta and Volda towns. This is the most economical way to get to or from the airport; ticket prices are usually around 100-150 Norwegian Krone (NOK). Bus routes and schedules are generally synchronised with flight arrivals and departures, but it is recommended to check the carrier's website for current information in advance.

Taxis and Transfers are a more comfortable, albeit more expensive, option. The taxi rank is located directly outside the terminal exit. A trip to the centre of Ørsta takes just 5-10 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 250-400 NOK depending on the time of day and day of the week. For those who value predictability and fixed costs, pre-booking a private transfer is an excellent solution. This option is particularly convenient for families with children or travellers with a large amount of luggage.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those planning to actively explore the picturesque fjords and mountains of Norway. Offices of several rental companies are present at Hovden Airport. By renting a car, you gain complete freedom of movement. It is strongly recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to guarantee the availability of your preferred model. For those arriving in their own vehicle, paid parking is provided on the airport grounds for both short-term and long-term stays.

Hovden Airport (HOV) in Ørsta is a typical example of a compact and efficient regional airport in Norway. Its layout is simplified to the maximum for passenger convenience, making navigation intuitively clear.

The airport operates one passenger terminal that serves all flights. The terminal building consists of a single space where departure and arrival zones are located next to each other on the same floor. Thanks to this, there are no complex passageways, and all key points are within sight of the main entrance.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general hall. Airline check-in counters and self-service kiosks are located here. Immediately behind the check-in area is the sole security checkpoint, leading to a small but cosy waiting lounge with boarding gates. The arrivals area is in the adjacent part of the building and includes a luggage reclaim belt and an exit to the city, where car rental desks and the taxi rank are located.

Due to its small size and low passenger traffic, passing through all pre-flight procedures at Hovden Airport takes minimal time. Usually, check-in (if required) and security screening take no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, airlines recommend arriving at the airport 1–1.5 hours before departure to check in luggage and complete all formalities without rushing.

The main recommendation for navigation is simply to follow the signs; there are few of them, but they are placed logically. Getting lost in this airport is practically impossible. Its compactness is its main advantage, saving travellers from the stress and bustle typical of large aviation hubs.

The history of Hovden Airport (HOV), officially known as Ørsta-Volda Airport, is a vivid example of how local initiative can transform an entire region. The idea of creating an air gateway in the southern part of Sunnmøre had been in the air since the 1960s, and in 1971, it became a reality. The airport was built through the joint efforts of the Ørsta and Volda municipalities, which sought to improve transport accessibility for local residents and businesses.

Since its opening, the main airline serving the airport has been Widerøe. The first flights were operated on reliable de Havilland Canada Twin Otter aircraft, connecting the region with major Norwegian cities. Initially, the runway was 1080 metres long, which was sufficient for the aircraft of that time. The airport quickly proved its importance, becoming a key transport hub for both business trips and the growing flow of tourists wishing to see the famous fjords and Sunnmøre Alps.

An important stage in the airport's development was the transfer of management to the state company Avinor in 1997. This opened new opportunities for modernisation. In 2007, the runway was extended, allowing for the accommodation of more modern types of aircraft. And in 2013, a new, spacious, and comfortable terminal was opened, which significantly improved the quality of passenger service and made the stay at the airport more pleasant.

An interesting fact: despite the airport being under the management of a state company, its history began as a project of two small municipalities. This remains a subject of pride for local residents to this day. Today, Hovden Airport continues to play a strategic role in the life of the region, serving as a gateway to one of the most picturesque corners of Norway and ensuring reliable connections for thousands of travellers all year round.

Hovden Airport (HOV), serving the towns of Ørsta and Volda, is a compact and modern terminal where all conditions for a comfortable wait for your flight have been created. Despite its small size, the airport offers key services to make the start and end of your journey through Norway as pleasant as possible.

For those wishing to have a snack before departure, the airport features a cosy café where you can order hot and cold drinks, fresh pastries, and light snacks. There is also a small shop where you can purchase travel essentials, press, and souvenirs to remember the fjord region by. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the waiting areas.

Although there are no dedicated VIP lounges at Hovden Airport, all passengers can relax comfortably in the bright and clean waiting hall. For travellers with children, mother and child rooms with changing tables are provided. The airport is fully equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, accessible toilets, and special assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking upon prior request to the airline.

It is important to note that there are no bank branches or currency exchange points within the terminal, so it is recommended to arrange this in advance. If necessary, an ATM is available. Medical assistance is provided by airport staff who have undergone special training. There are no hotels or business centres directly within the airport building; however, the nearest hotels and conference facilities are just a few minutes' drive away in the town of Ørsta.

Hovden Airport (HOV), serving the towns of Ørsta and Volda, is a small regional airport, so dining options here are compact and focused on the basic needs of travellers. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as found in major international hubs. The main options are concentrated in a single establishment in the main terminal building.

Typically, there is one café-shop operating in the airport, located in the public zone before security control (landside). This makes it accessible to both departing and arriving passengers, as well as those meeting them. Please note that after passing security (airside), the selection may be minimal or non-existent, so it is better to have a proper meal beforehand.

In the local café menu, you will likely find:

• Quick Snacks: Hot sausages (pølse), sandwiches, fresh pastries, and crisps.
• Local Flavour: Be sure to try traditional Norwegian waffles (vafler) with jam and sour cream or a classic open sandwich (smørbrød).
• Drinks: Quality coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks.

More substantial options, such as a soup of the day or a simple hot dish, might be available, but this is not guaranteed. The café's opening hours are usually synchronised with the flight schedule—it opens before the first departure and closes after the last one.

Regarding special dietary requirements, options are very limited. Vegetarians may find meat-free pastries or a packaged salad, but finding certified vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes here will be extremely difficult. Prices correspond to the general level in Norway and are quite high, so we recommend budgeting a significant amount even for a simple snack.

Travelling through a regional airport like Hovden in Ørsta has its own specifics. Generally, everything here is simpler and faster than in large hubs. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For domestic flights within Norway, it is sufficient to arrive at the airport 1-1.5 hours before departure. Hovden Airport is small, so queues for check-in and security are usually minimal. To save time, complete online check-in on your airline's website and, if you are travelling light, head straight to security control.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. When flying out of Ørsta or arriving here, try to choose a window seat. You will be treated to stunning views of the fjords and the Sunnmøre Alps mountains. Standard rules for hand luggage apply here as well: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp or flammable items are prohibited.

Connections and Customs Control. Hovden Airport mainly serves direct flights, so connections here are rare. If you do have a connecting flight, verify at check-in whether you will need to collect your luggage. Customs control is only undergone by passengers arriving from countries outside the Schengen area, which is an exception for this airport.

Savings and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, book flight tickets in advance and consider bringing a light snack with you, as the selection of cafés in the small airport is limited. In case of a flight delay, contact an airline representative. Depending on the duration of the wait, you may be offered food vouchers. Since the airport is close to the town, during a long delay, you might even have time for a short walk in the surroundings.